The UK Government Has Reacted To The Ban Tackling In Schools Petition

The UK Government has responded to the recent petition to ban tackling in schools, and it’s fair to say rugby fans are likely to be pretty pleased…

The government has no plans to ban tackling in school rugby. We expect schools to be aware of the risks associated with sporting activities, and to provide a safe environment for their pupils.

The government has no current plans to ban tackling in school rugby.

Team sports, such as rugby, play an important role in children’s development. They can help children develop positive traits such as fair play, leadership and resilience; an important part of our commitment in preparing children for life in modern Britain. They also provide an opportunity for physical activity and help children develop healthy habits for life.

There is no definitive list of the activities or sports that schools should offer their pupils.

Schools have the flexibility to organise and deliver a diverse and challenging PE curriculum which best suits the needs of their pupils. We expect schools to be aware of the risks associated with all the sporting activities they provide, to provide a safe environment for their pupils, and to ensure that their teachers and other staff have the appropriate training.

There is expert advice available for schools to help them make sure all sporting activities are safe. The Association for Physical Education (AfPE) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents provide advice to schools on how to manage activities safely and reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.